I wish wonderful blessings on Franconia Mennonite Conference in their “strong desire to focus on mission and fulfilling the Great Commission” and in emphasizing that “we are in this together,” as reported in the Dec. 7 issue. My understanding is that is the ministry Jesus gave us and commanded us to fulfill. Nothing has been greater for the church than Jesus’ teachings since the first day of Pentecost.

I fully agree with Franconia’s desire to focus on the Great Commission. Like the early church, we can disagree on some issues but keep our eyes on Jesus. That would keep the unity of the Spirit, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit, as Paul commanded.

Carl L. Smeltzer
Harrisonburg, Va.